Report on ECMINT 1.4

Sixty-one delegates, mostly from European states, attended the final part of the first cycle of the ECMINT course. ECMINT 1.4 was dedicated to the complex topic of arteriovenous malformations (AVM), mainly those involving the brain.

European experts in all disciplines involved in managing patients (including children) with brain and spinal AVMs, contributed and controversial views were vocalised and strongly defended.

Superb tutorials on analysis of AVM angiographic vascular anatomy, embolisation strategies, techniques, and avoidance of complications were provided by an experienced faculty. In addition, there were fascinating academic lectures on subjects pertinent to Interventional Neuroradiologists (INRs) including; vascular neuroanatomy, genetics in vascular disease, imaging including fMRI, anatomy and importantly, ethics for INRs.

Non-vascular spinal intervention was also covered and will almost certainly require expansion at future courses.

The end of course examination produced excellent results with everyone achieving >60%. In all 14-15 students who have completed all 4 of the ECMINT first cycle course plan to sit the first ECMINT Diploma in September 2016. The feedback comments we have received confirm that the course achieved its goal of both excellent teaching and a useful mixed of theoretical and practical topics. Delegates and faculty also enjoyed a lovely evening cruising, eating and drinking on the Thames!

The second cycle will begin again in December 2016 with ECMINT 2.1. Keep an eye on the ESMINT website.